A GLASGOW KISS AUTHOR SOPHIE GRAVIA RECKONS MARK WRIGHT IS MIGHTY FINE ROMANTIC LEAD

BESTSELLING Scots author Sophie Gravia reckons Mark Wright would make a ‘mighty fine’ romantic lead in any potential future production based on her racy books.

The Scots nurse, who has become Amazon’s number one author and has had major interest from production companies about the filming of her novels, including A Glasgow Kiss, met Mark at a ladies day in Ingliston Estate and Country Club in Bishopton near Glasgow.

After enjoying her afternoon tea at the venue which also welcomes Denise Van Outen for a Discolicious lunch on August 27, the two talents met up backstage and posed together for a picture.

Sophie told fans who are desperate for an adaptation of her book of her meeting with the former TOWIE star : “I can't be the only one thinking @wrighty_ would play a mighty fine Tom Adams?

“Had THE BEST day @inglistoncountryclub for ladies day! The most stunning venue and only 20mins from the city centre.

“Mark was unbelievable and the full place was buzzing!”

#aglasgowkiss #whathappensindubai #meetmeinmilan #sophiegravia #markwright #inglistoncountryclub #ladiesday #party #glasgow #scotland

Fans of the author were quick to add their own thoughts about her new casting.

One said: “ Sugar Daddy right there.”

Another added: “ Pleaseee let this be a teaser of a film or series!!!”

And a third replied: “ Well..... there's a thought.”

But a fourth added: “No please don't ruin his image in my head.”

Sophie’s debut novel, A Glasgow Kiss, published in December 2020, quickly became a word-of-mouth global sensation, reaching the number one spot on Amazon and surpassing the popularity of the Fifty Shades of Gray.

Following the tremendous success of her first book, Sophie released What Happens in Dubai, in August 2022 which also soared to the top of the charts and her latest Meet Me In Milan has reached the number one top spot again in pre orders ahead of August 17.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH STAR RETURNS TO EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

SABRINA the Teenage Witch star Aunt Hilda herself is headed to Edinburgh for the famous Fringe festival. 

 Canadian actress and stand-up comedian Caroline Rhea who has attended the fest in previous years has announces a brand new Fringe show at Gilded Balloon - 'I Identify As A Witch'.

 Best known for hit roles which also include  Phineas and Ferb, Caroline will perform a limited run from 15th - 18th August, at Gilded Balloon Teviot from 8.45pm with a show filled with comedy, improv and star-studded Hollywood tales. 

With 5 star reviews the last time Caroline played the Festival in 2013, the Hollywood star's four night run is sure to be unmissable, especially for fans of cult classic Sabrina the Teenage Witch where she made her name as Aunt Hilda for seven years or as Linda Flynn Fletcher on Phineas and Ferb for over 10 seasons. 

The stand-up comedian has also had numerous comedy specials on Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime, marking 30 years as a comic. 

Caroline Rhea said, "Hi, it’s me, Caroline Rhea. I’m thrilled to return to Scotland, my part-time childhood home, and not just because it’s the only place you can get tablet and no salad. 

Yes, you know me as Aunt Hilda on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and I’ve been a standup comedian for 34 years. I’m here to do my new show, “I Identify as a Witch” because at this point I seriously do, so does my 14 year old daughter. My new show covers everything from parenting a teenager to dating (it’s super fun at this age), outrageous stories of life in Hollywood like when I met Taylor Swift, and a lot of improv."

Don't miss Caroline Rhea : I Identify As A Witch at Gilded Balloon Teviot, 15th - 18th August from 8.45pm. 

Tickets via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5014/

RICHARD MADDEN AND PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS TRAVEL TO MUMBAI AHEAD OF CITADEL RELEASE

SCOTS actor Richard Madden travelled to Mumbai with Priyanka Chopra Jonas for the Asia Pacific premiere of Prime Video’s upcoming global spy series, Citadel.

The  ground-breaking spy franchise created by Amazon Studios and Russo Brothers’ AGBO, will premiere exclusively on Prime Video, with two episodes dropping on April 28, and one episode rolling out weekly through May 26 and theshowbizlion.com can’t wait to watch it. 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas who plays Nadia Sinh said, “When Jennifer Salke, who is the head of Amazon Studios, presented Citadel to me, she wanted to create an international, global franchise - an original IP that truly connects the world. Amazon strongly believes in diversity; and true diversity is represented internationally, not just by having different skin tones, but also by hearing the way people speak, actually delving into the culture. And this show has incredible ability to span across every country and continent. So, I didn’t even know the story and I said yep, doing it.” 

Bodyguard star Richard Madden who plays Mason Kane shared:  “Citadel has been incredibly physically demanding. But I think that's what really is dreamy. It's not simply a gun show or a fight sequence. This is how these two characters interact physically, and how they dance together. We learn in each action sequence a little more about the two of them. Just like in the drama scenes, the stakes are so high because of the adrenaline of what's going on. The show just works both in the drama and action sequences.”

Citadel is executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO and showrunner David Weil. Alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, the 6-episode series features Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville in pivotal roles.

 The global series will stream across 240 countries and territories in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and other international languages.

OUTLANDER SCOTT KYLE REVEALS ALL IN NEW BOOK PROJECT

OUTLANDER star Scott Kyle has revealed his new book about his career will include behind the scenes stories from the famed Starz TV show. 
Glasgow born Scott who describes himself as a ‘latch key kid’ who found himself filming for Hollywood productions and global tv shows is currently starring in Irvine Welsh’s Porno - the stage set follow up to Trainspotting. 
As tickets went on sale for the production at Glasgows Kings theatre this week, Scott revealed his book plans for the future. 
Tucking into a mixed grill and chicken schwarma banquet at Glasgow’s Damasqino restaurant with his wife Karen where he let owner Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali have a sneak peak at his first chapter, he said: “I’ve started writing the book about my life as a boy in a single parent family from Rutherglen who ended up in huge productions including Outlander. 
It will come out next year and will be full of stories from behind the scenes on the hit show like getting my shirt off with big Sam Heughan. 
“On my first day on the Outlander set I had to go  topless as we were both given a public lashing. When I took my shirt off there was nothing much to report home about it, but when Sam followed and took his shirt off, all the supporting actors let off oohs and aahs. It was a sign of things to come.”

Scott who became part of the Outlander family, amassing huge views online after appearing on the show and now organising the annual Highlander Fling for fans, also had scenes with Caitriona Balfe and talks about that in the book. 
He said: “There are so many anecdotes from all the productions I’ve been in including Kajaki (Kilo Two Bravo in the States) where I spent almost two months in Jordan.”
Scott is currently delighted to be playing the role made famous by Ewan McGregor in the stage equivalent of Trainspotting two. 
He said: “I’m playing Renton, fifteen years after Trainspotting. From a Scottish actor point of view I’ve done the biggest TV show and this is the next highest role you could ask for.  
Irvine Welsh came to see us when we put the show on in Edinburgh and there’s every likelihood he’ll come to the Glasgow production at the Kings in December and then there are plans to take the show further afield.”

ROCKETMAN TARON EGERTON TOOK CLIMBING TRIP IN SCOTLAND DURING LOCKDOWN

ROCKETMAN star Taron Egerton spent time in Scotland climbing mountains with his friends during lockdown. 
But when someone asked if he was visiting his movie co star Richard Madden he joked that Richard was a pretend Scot who actually came from Essex. 
The Welsh star and his two pals explored the wilds of Scotland at the end of last month over five days and Taron showed off pictures of the trio exploring the Scottish Munros. 
He appeared to be at the summit of Ben Nevis in Inverness in one of the pictures. 
Ben Nevis, in Invernessshire is the highest mountain in the U.K.  at 1345 metres above sea level.
Taron who wore a Napapijri recycled puffer jacket in some of the pictures had a pair of white trainers on his feet and told fans that he’d left his climbing boots in the van.
He wrote: “In the wilds of Scotland (for some reason left my boots in the van) in my @napapijriCircular Puffer jacket. Not only is it insanely warm, the fabric is made from recycled fishing nets and other waste materials.”
Asked if he’d visited Richard Madden during his trip he said: “No, he’s actually from Essex. He says the accent is ‘better for his brand.’
Richard spent time at a country estate in Scotland in August, where he caught up with fellow acting friends Lily James, Dominic Cooper and Gemma Chan during a rural group holiday.

It was believed that Richard stayed in the Blair Atholl area of Scotland, a village in Perthshire known for its rustic stone buildings and scenic landscape.
Earlier in the day Taron told followers on his Instagram stories that he’d been chopping up dog treats and joked that he needed to get a job.
The star was of course joking about being out of work. 
He has a busy schedule lined up for acting in coming months with the release of Tetris, Little Shop Of Horrors and Sing 2 followed by Kinsman 3 in 2022.

GERARD BUTLER HAS NUTS ENCOUNTER WITH SQUIRREL

GERARD Butler grinned away and called himself ‘the animal whisperer’  as a curious squirrel went looking for nuts on his body as he lay in bed. 

The Scottish born 300 hunk, who is newly single, showed off his petite lady friend in a bizarre video on Instagram as he lay in bed wearing a blue tshirt and shorts. 

In the video, Gerard smiles as the squirrel climbs down from his hair to nibble his neck then beard before crawling over his mouth. 

It then disappears out of shot for a moment then returns to his head while Gerard says: “Oh, Oh, oh, yeah. Nibbling everything. It nibbles your face, your fingers, your toes, your heels, and then all your clothes. There she is she’s going to nibble my ear, thank god they are more like nibbles, chewing on my hair. Oh, oh, oh, oh“

The grey squirrel then moves from his beard again to go down to his lower body. 

As she remains out of camera shot, With just her tail on show Gerard tells fans: “Oh tasty, eh? That’s a tasty tshirt. No it’s the string of my shorts. She loves string.”

A male voice in the background says: “The plastic tabs. Yesterday she was going after my shoes.”

The squirrel then decides to go further down Gerards shorts at which point he says: “Don’t go too much lower. Oh you did.”

Fans were thrilled at his nature loving side with one saying: “Who is cuter? Gerry or the baby squirrel?”

Another added: “In my next life I want ot be the squirrel.”

Another warned: “Watch your kibbles and bits.”

While another joked: “Trying to find where you stash your nuts. Very cute lol.”

HARRY POTTER AND CRACKER STAR ROBBIE COLTRANE HAS NEW ROLE

At seventy years old Harry Potter and Cracker star Robbie Coltrane is in a happier place than he has been for years - emerging out of the shadows to hit the screen and play one of his lifelong heroes. 
And the new role sees Robbie who has now had long awaited surgery to remedy his painful knee, taking on the guise of Orson Welles, the man voted the greatest film director of all time in Urban Myths: Orson  Welles in Norwich for Sky Arts. 
It’s Robbie’s first on screen appearance in four years since Channel 4 drama National Treasure - unless you count his brief appearance on Universal’s 2019 theme park Hagrid’s Motorbike Ride voicing an animated figure. 
The Rutherglen born actor who came into the world as Anthony Robert McMillan has had a preoccupation with Citizen Kane director, star of The Third Man and creator of War of The Worlds Welles since he was a young boy and has frequently talked about his admiration for the American talent who he first witnessed on screen when he was eleven years old. 
His mother Jean Ross, a teacher and pianist, was a film fan and they would sit together and watch old movies on TV.
He saw The Third Man when he was 11 featuring the famous scene where Orson Welles as Harry Lime steps out of the shadows and the light from a window falls on his upturned face.
Robbie, whose father, Ian Baxter McMillan was a general surgeon who also worked for police pathology also gave young Robbie books to read on medicine and crime. 
Robbies first foray onto the stage at the age of twelve was to deliver rants from Henry V - a favourite of Welles in Chimes At Midnight - at Glenalmond College, but he claims it was 1969 when he first realised the strength of Welles on screen persona. 
He said in a recent interview with Radio Times: “They showed Citizen Kane at the film club and I just thought, Who is that guy? It’s been a lifelong thing since then.”
Indeed later on Robbie agreed to appear in the 2008 movie The Brothers Bloom because he’d been told the writer Rian Johnson was the new Orson Welles. 
He revealed at the time: “Rian Johnson's a big hero of mine because of Brick. Although I hadn't seen it, everyone told me Brick was the best film made for about 10 years and he was the new Orson Welles, and if he sent me a script I'd have to do it for nothing if necessary. I got the script, and I just thought yes, I would do it for nothing."
Robbie also admitted he was  flattered when one reviewer described him as a ‘low rent Orson Welles’ so it was a natural choice for him to be picked as leading man For the Sky Arts drama based on the incident called F For Fakenham. The story goes Orson was abducted by an armed gang in Norfolk after travelling there to make a series of mystery dramas with Anglia Television.
Robbie said:  “Nobody knows if it‘s actually true.”
Robbie believes Welles greatest gift was storytelling and continued: “Listening to him was just like sitting with a pal and a whisky in front of a roaring fire and saying, ‘Let me tell you a story’ and you don’t care if it’s true. You just want to hear what happens next.’
Physically the two bear a portly resemblance and Robbie admitted: “I had no problem with his voice because we were the same kitchen. A Scotsman doing American is no stretch because a lot of the American accent did come from the Scots.”

LINE OF DUTY ACTOR MARTÍN COMPSTON HAS GOOD HAIR DAY

LINE Of Duty’s Martin Compston showed off his shaggy hairdo before getting a cut backstage on the set of the award winning show. 
Greenock born actor Martin told fans he was ‘officially back in business’ as he shared a picture of himself in his famous waistcoat and suit on set. 
And after quarantining for two weeks ahead of filming to ensure he followed the health and safety procedure he wasn’t taking any chances with Covid backstage as his hair stylist Cat Coogan wore a mask and shield as well as plastic apron to protect him from any risks. 
As he sat in the barbers chair he joked: “This woman’s surgical with scissors.”
Martin also posted up a picture of himself in police uniform teasing fans: “In The civvies, must be Line of Duty 6.”


The actor has been spending lockdown with his family and recently posted a picture of a damaged bush in his garden after he fell into it during an outdoor dancing session. 
He told fans at the time he’d been dancing to the tunes of local DJ George Bowie when the mishap happened and after  apologising to his wife Tianna Flynn also admitted he hurt his back.
Martin also said that  lockdown was like being an unemployed actor, but said he enjoyed the sober conversations he been having with pals on WhatsApp and time with family after spending March till November away from home last year.

THE KARDASHIANS ARE MARK MILLAR’S NEW NETFLIX SUPERHEROES

Beverley Lyons
KICK Ass and Kingsman writer Mark Millar claims he’s working on a new superhero drama based on The Kardashian’s.  
The Coatbridge born comic book king says he will start shooting the project in just one weeks time - and that it will last over a six year period. 
Mark, 49, who was a first at the relaunch of Kebabish in Glasgow said: “We start a thing in a weeks time - a six year shoot in Canada. It’s a superhero show. It’s big family drama with superheroes.”
He explained: “Imagine you were the children of Superman and Wonder Woman but you just want to be Kardashian’s and want to love the life. You don’t want to be superheroes. That is what the show is about. “Imagine the Kardashians with superpowers.”
Mark who is an executive for Netflix after his  publishing company Millarworld was acquired by them for £25 million in 2017 said he was making the most of the free food on offer at the restaurant launch. 
He laughed: “I’ve been eating as much free stuff as possible and have just been filling my pockets. I’m starving. I’ve actually eaten nothing all day so this place will be bankrupt by the end of the week.”
Despite his wealth he said he prefers to spend time in shabby drinking haunts rather than living it up. 
He said: “I spend a lot of time in Glasgow but I drink in dingy pubs, the sort where you wouldn’t go in. I like old man pubs and anything trendy you won’t see me there. This is the coolest event you’ll probably see me at.”
Mark has finished working on the next Kingsman films and has committed to Netflix until 2027. 

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Sun on Sunday - From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com 

HARRY POTTER STYLE BUS TOURS ADD EXTRA SERVICE IN EDINBURGH

A Scots company has had to put on extra tours to meet demand after offering Harry Potter style bus experiences in Edinburgh.
The  Red Bus Bistro company began offering its Wonderful Wizarding Tours to fans of the magic franchise in December last year.
Their vintage double decker bus visits places of interest that inspired the book and film franchise including the Balmoral hotel where JK Rowling finished her last book, the Elephant House cafe where the ideas and books began, Victoria Street, the inspiration for Diagon Alley and other spell binding sights.
Owner Alison Simpson and her team also have included a themed afternoon tea including delights like chocolate frogs, jelly beans, I Can’t Believe Its Not Butterbeer cocktails and Sorcerers Sandwiches.
The tour which lasts ninety minutes was originally trialled last year on Thursdays and Fridays but now Alison has added a Saturday to the schedule and will run the services at 6pm.
She said: “Our wizarding tours have been very popular amongst tourists and families alike. When we began at the tail end of last year we were testing the water and now realise everyone loves a bit of magic in their lives. We can take up to forty people per bus.”
“We have employed an actor turned wizard to deliver our unique tour content and we offer quality bespoke food and drink for our customers.
We’ve even got an offer on just now where every child (under the age of 15) eats free with two adults. We charge £37 per adult and we are constantly evolving how we deliver our experience.”
She added: “We can’t wait to tie in with any upcoming conventions and school holidays. Our Red Bus Bistro offers different experiences for a whole range of customers, including afternoon tea and gin tours, hen nights, party evenings and more sedate sightseeing trips.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scotsman 

HUGH JACKMAN SPENDS THOUSANDS ON PRE-PARTY IN GLASGOW

Beverley Lyons 
Hollywood star Hugh Jackman spent tens of thousands on a pre tour party before ending up  in a Glasgow chippy yesterday .
The Aussie film star treated his 70-strong entourage to the bash, ahead of the tour on May 7, which began with a party at a 5-star hotel on Saturday night and included a private boat tour along the Clyde the following day.
The Wolverine star who was being driven around in a chauffeur driven Audi popped into the suburbs of Clydebank with his party posse who were on a coach to local chippy Bennies Fast Food for some deep fried Mars Bars and Deep Fried Pizza after spending thousands of pounds chartering his own boat on the water with his entourage just days ahead of the first night of his opening solo tour. 


Hugh, had spent the day sailing with his party on the waters of Loch Lomond with Sweeney’s Cruise crew aboard flagship vessel the Silver Dolphin. 
The vessel which claims to be the most luxurious passenger boat operating in Scotland boasts warm teak panelling, thick-pile carpeting, and nautical brass fittings akin to a bespoke private members club. The dining area on the lower deck offers panoramic views of the Loch and flexible seating while the upper deck with has its own teak dance floor, retractable sun roof, bar and entrance to the forward viewing deck. 
Described as ‘the perfect party venue’ prices start around £2,000 for hire of the boat which used to sail on the Thames. 
Hugh, who arrived in Glasgow on Saturday wanted to treat his cast and crew of the show after an intensive six weeks of rehearsals and also held a lavish party costing tens of thousands of pounds at his Scots hotel the night before to welcome them to the first leg of the tour. 
Hugh, who had been rehearsing in New York and London ahead of the show, is due to appear at Glasgow’s Hydro on May 7,8 and 9. 
Around seven pm on Saturday night staff at Glasgow’s prestigious Blythswood hotel opened the doors of their new Bo and Birdy restaurant venue for the first time. 
The lavish bar and brasserie restaurant which has just had a million pound makeover is due to open to the public later this week after an official party but Hugh and his fifty plus entourage got exclusive use of the facilities before anyone. 


Hugh who is believed to have been staying in the £2,500 penthouse of the hotel since he arrived on Saturday morning treated each of his crew to free drink and canapés all night as well as  gifting them each with a hoodie from Hugh himself. The black and white hoodie promoted his own ethical coffee brand Laughing Man.  
One of the guests commented: “Hugh has been really generous and put on a free bar for everyone all night. Preparations have been intense over the last six weeks so this is a chance for everyone to get a bit of chill before the tour begins.
Guests who were merry after knocking back the booze and partying till midnight were treated to songs from musicals as well as the latest charts while Hugh did a tour of the room. 
At midday on Sunday, a relaxed looking Hugh treated around twenty of his more senior entourage to a private boat trip round the Loch. 
He took in the surrounding islands on the route to Balloch. 


He was met by fans including Ailie, 17, and Lewis Carroll, 9, along the way. 
Lewis said: “Hugh signed my Greatest Showman CD and I told him I couldn’t get tickets to his show because it was sold out.  My dad asked if he could put us on the guest but he told us he couldn’t even get his own mother  on the guest list.”
Back at the hotel Hugh who says he will be featuring his own dogs Dali and Allegra in his musical extravaganza petted our very own basset hound Bertie on his way into the hotel and told a couple of fans outside that he’d absolutely ‘loved’ the boat trip. 
He said he couldn’t wait to hit the stage in Glasgow. 

We’ve been following Hugh’s every move this week- read more on theshowbizlion.com 

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Sun and Daily Mail online. 

From Scotland with Love

BILLY CONNOLLY LOOKING FIT IN HONG KONG BEFORE JETSETTING TO NEW YORK TARTAN WEEK

Beverley Lyons 

Sir Billy Connolly met up with Scottish former rugby union player Doddie Weir in Hong Kong ahead of his appearance at New York’s tartan day celebrations this weekend.
And Sir Billy was looking dapper as he chatted with MND sufferer Doddie at the fundraising dinner in Hong Kong’s Grand Hyatt hotel.
Players past and present joined the Big Yin and Humungous one as revellers endearingly referred to them.
Amongst those promoted to attend the bash were Scott Hastings, Andy Goode, Brian O Driscoll and Gregor Townsend.
In a photo posted on Twitter,  Sir Billy looked dapper in his black tux and chose to go tieless with his white shirt for the occasion while Doddie opted for his now famous tartan suit. 

One of the dinner guests commented: “Billy was in great spirits and very happy to be there. He and Doddie has a great chat and Billy entertained guests with his answers during the Q and A session.”
Scottish artist Gerard Burns had painted a portrait of Doddie in the suit which raised almost £100,000 at the event.

The dinner, attended by around 500 guests, was organised by the Scottish business community based in Hong Kong as a precursor to the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens on April 5-7. More than £300,000 was raised in total by the event.

The new pictures will come as a surprise to many fans who thought that Billy’s health was ailing. 

The 76 year old was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 and has been pictured looking frailer and more subdued than the larger than life character we have come to expect. 

Billy who also had to have his prostate removed following a cancer diagnosis several years ago and has joked in the past about his shaky hand, over which he has little control, admitted in a BBC documentary in January that his diagnosis with the degenerative brain condition meant he was now "at the wrong end of the telescope of life". 

Billy said at the time: "My life is slipping away and I can feel it and I should. I'm 75 and I'm a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning. 

"But it doesn't frighten me - it's an adventure and it's quite interesting to see myself slipping away, as bits slip off and leave me, talents leave and attributes leave.

"It's as if I'm being prepared for something, some other adventure, which is over the hill. I've got all this stuff to lose first, and then I'll be at the shadowy side of the hill doing the next episode in the spirit world."

Sir Michael Parkinson also said in 2018 that Billy had trouble recognising him, a claim that Sir Billy has since dismissed. 

Sir Michael, 83,  said at the time: “His wonderful brain has dulled. I saw him recently – he's now living in America – and it was very sad, because I was presenting him with a prize at an award ceremony [...] We had an awkward dinner together, because I wasn't quite sure if he knew who I was or not."

It certainly seems that Billy is not ready to give into the debilitating illness - as he jetsets round the world for a busy year of public engagements.

From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL WITH SIR MICHAEL PALIN, CELTIC CONNECTIONS AND BOYZONE

BOYZONE’S Keith Duffy is hopping to catch up with his Scots rugby pals Thom and Max Evans when the lads play here at the weekend.
Boyzone will be playing their fairwell gig tomorrow night at the SSE Hydro and Keith told me last time we spoke that he and the Evans lads are the best of pals.
He said: “The Evans brothers come to all our gigs. They either stand side of stage of go out front - whatever they want.”
Keith and the lads says they won’t be going crazy after they Hydro gig.
He laughed: “Those days are gone now and we’ve all had our moment of glory. We don’t like hangovers anymore so play golf now and enjoy glass of wine parties.”
Xxx
HARRY Potter, Sense and Sensibility and Gosford Park composer Patrick Doyle got everyone sobbing as he made it a real family affair at his Glasgow concert. Not only did he bring his two daughters Nuala and Abigail  to accompany him on Sigh No More. He also managed to play a treasured sixty year old recording of his own father Patrick singing at a family gathering. He told the audience it had been his dads ambition to sing with  a live orchestra but he sadly passed away last year. His wish finally came true at Celtic Connections and it was a true homecoming. I definitely lost a few fake lashes on the night.
Xxx
Glasgow Film Festival goers are up for a real rough and ready night at this year’s event.
The 12 day long fest from February 20 to March 3 will see seven world premieres, 102 UK premieres and 49 Scottish premieres. Guests including Sir Michael Palin, Carol Morley, Matt Bomer, Carlos Acosta, Josh O’Connor, Alice Lowe, Simon Amstell and music video director Lance Bangs.
One of the highlights will be a showing of Fight Club in a mystery destination in North Glasgow featuring real fighting.
I’m told the battles will be coordinated by Scots fight expert Janet Lawson who was a member of the stunt team for Season 6 of the TV series Vikings and plays Mrs Hinzmann in the Scottish Christmas Zombie Musical Anna and the Apocalypse.
She knows her stuff and some locals might think it’s the real thing.

Sent from my iPhone

DOCTOR WHO STAR KAREN GILLAN HITS GLASGOW AND INVERNESS FOR DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

GUARDIANS of The Galaxy star Karen Gillan has arrived in Glasgow to begin filming her directorial debut movie Tupperware Party.
The Inverness born Doctor Who actress who played Amy Pond in the sci fi series has written the script of the feature film for Mt Hollywood films.
Karen, who is keeping the storyline a tightly guarded secret, spent Christmas and New Year up with family and friends up north before arriving in Glasgow this week.

E
In demand Karen admitted she'd been tweaking the film's script right up until the eleventh hour, telling fans online: "Racing to finish a rewrite before the new year! I got thiiiiiissssss."
The star who is understandably nervous about her first big directorial offering told her Instagram followers: "Sad to be leaving Inverness and my fellow fingers. But we have a film to make. Here we go 2017!"


She was spotted today in Glasgow's Buchanan Street by some fans as she prepped for her filming schedule.
Budding actor Christopher Potter who was amongst those who saw her posted up a selfie of them both and said: "That brilliant moment when you bump into @karengillan, tell her you're a big fan and get a picture with her! Such a nice person!"
Karen has a penchant for darker movies so it's expected Tupperware Party will gave more of a twist to it than the average plastic storage lid.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

LEO DICAPRIO STAYS IN FORMER MONASTERY IN EDINBURGH

Beverley Lyons
HOLLYWOOD hunk Leo Dicaprio jetted into Edinburgh a day ahead of his Scottish sandwich chain visit to stay at the site of a former monastery.
Despite his reputed love of the ladies and hard partying, Leo chose to get some chill out time at the opulent Prestonfield House hotel which was built on the site of a wealthy monastery, founded in 1150 by Henry, Earl of Northumbria.


The hotel at the bottom of Arthur's Seat was formerly called Priestfield House and since it was converted in the 60s has played host to Sandie Shaw, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Sean Connery. Elton John, Catherine Zeta Jones and Oliver Reed.
Great Gatsby actor Leo was keen to get some downtime with his posse and checked into the stunning historical venue which boasts tapestries and antiques in every room to enjoy some traditional Scots hospitality.


He and his posse of around twelve asked to look round the hotel with its eighteen bedrooms and five suites and it's grounds including its specialised Whisky Room with its velvet wallpaper, antler chairs and drinks cabinet boasting hugely expensive malts.


They also visited the Tapestry room with its curios from around the world and Leather room which features leather wallpaper.
Leo was surrounded by a team of security as he sat down to dinner in one of the swish oval shaped rooms of the Rhubarb Restaurant.


As eager staff members kept a watchful eye on his table the tension was palpable.
Leo who was sporting a hat and dressed casually for the occasion appeared to be in a jovial mood while his security team scanned the room.
The restaurant offers an array of fine foods including celery soup with summer truffle foam, Perthshire rabbit, cured Shetland salmon, Roast roe deer loin, Angus beef and Peterhead hake.
After dinner Leo and his team were asking hotel staff about where to go in Edinburgh as his chauffeur driven fleet of cars awaited instruction outside.
As his team waited in the cold to see if


Leo was in the mood to party, it appears that the rain put him off and he decided to have an early night to prepare for his big day today. The star visited Home restaurant before appearing at the Scottish Business Awards tonight.
Home is the new venture from Josh Littlejohn and Dean Gassabi, who own the Maison Bleue restaurants, and is a part of Social Bite.
Located on Queensferry Street in the west end of Edinburgh, Home not only offers suspended food and drinks, but it also provides training and employment for members of the Social Bite Academy, a four-year paid course for homeless people.
The Scottish Business Awards take place tonight at the EICC and costs £1000 for a table of ten.

Segments of this article have now appeared in the Scottish Sun


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

HARRY POTTER OFFERS A LIVE SYMPHONY

HARRY Potter fans will be in their element when a live orchestra accompanies a giant screening of the film at Glasgow's SSE Hydro.
For the first time in the UK, audiences will experience a symphony orchestra performing music to the entire film from one of the most beloved film franchises in history.
CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teamed up for the UK premiere of The Harry Potter Film Concert Series, which will take place next year.
Following on from the UK premiere of the series at the Royal Albert Hall, the tour presented by Senbla featuring Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,™ will kick off in Cardiff, going onto Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds before finishing up in Glasgow.
The tour which is bound to attract t the odd appearance from JK Rowling herself,  will feature a live symphony orchestra performing, to picture, every note from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
As the conductor creates magic with his wand, audiences will be able to relive the film in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.
Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of The Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, "The Harry Potter film series is one of those once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomena that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we introduce for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. It will be an unforgettable event.”
Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and Concert Producer for The Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, “Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the entire world and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will enjoy returning to this world, and to the many wonderful characters and adventures that inhabit it. “
This series begins with Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.


Tour Dates:
May
12 - London Royal Albert Hall
13 - London Royal Albert Hall
14 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
15 - Birmingham Barclaycard Arena
16 - Manchester Arena
18 - Liverpool Echo Arena
19 - Leeds First Direct Arena
21 - Glasgow Secc Hydro Arena

Tickets Prices:
£25 - £65


From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com